MBC Network Unable To Secure Satellite Carriage

CHICAGO–The Major Broadcasting Cable (MBC) Network so far has been unable to convince U.S. satellite TV companies to carry its predominantly African-American content despite launching service nearly four years ago.

While unable to attract the attention of satellite TV executives, MBC did attract attention at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association show here this week with the appearance of Michael Jackson at the company’s booth. Jackson’s brother Marlon Jackson, a co-owner of the channel, said the network aimed at offering positive programming for the African-American community. Other MBC owners include boxer Evander Holyfield and former Major League Baseball player Cecil Fielder.

MBC’s best chance for carriage on one of the satellite TV services could rests with sports-savvy DirecTV, since the channel has exclusive rights to broadcast athletic events of predominantly black colleges and universities, industry sources said.

For more coverage of the NCTA show, see the June 16 issue of SATELLITE NEWS. For more info on subscribing to PBI Media’s satellite newsletters, check out our Web site at http://www.telecomweb.com/catalog.